Attack on taxi driver
A TAXI driver was left "fearing for his life" after being viciously attacked by some of his passengers.
The driver, who does not want to be named, was driving a minibus when he was attacked in Ashley Gardens, in Hartlepool, at the weekend.
The driver, who does not want to be named, was driving a minibus when he was attacked in Ashley Gardens, in Hartlepool, at the weekend.
The Hudson's Taxis cabbie, who is in his 50s, was forced to stop his vehicle when a female passenger jumped out as the minibus was still moving.
As he went to check on the condition of the woman he was then punched and kicked by three men, who had also been in the silver minibus.
The attackers then made off with keys, and the stricken driver phoned colleagues for assistance.
Police also attended, and are now appealing for information to try and track down the attackers following the incident at 10.30pm on Friday.
Speaking from the firm's Whitby Street base, Hudson's Taxis boss Jill Clarke described the attack as "appalling".
Mrs Clarke, who admits she is concerned for the safety of her drivers, said: "The man was just out trying to make a living, and for him to be attacked like he was is absolutely disgusting.
"I spoke to him on Saturday morning, and understandably he was very shaken up.
"He was punched to the floor, and when he got up he was kicked back down again. He was fearing for his life, this was a brutal attack. It's appalling.
"He said he'll be straight back to work and won't let this put him off, but in my opinion it is happening too often.
"Last year I had a driver who had a gun pulled on him, and drivers are constantly having to put up with all sorts of threats.
"Even when people ring up for a taxi now you are suspicious, people have drink on them and you never know what's going to happen."
The driver was picked up by a fellow cabbie and is nursing cuts and bruises to his face.
Some of the privately-run taxis operating in Hartlepool are fitted with CCTV cameras to help protect drivers, though the Hudson's Taxis boss says her cabs do not have the equipment.
She added: "Maybe it is time to do something more, maybe there should be some funding made available to help taxi firms out to improve the safety of the drivers.
"Something has to be done, because I think this town is getting worse."
Inspector Nick Owen, of Hartlepool Police, said: "Inquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible."
source:
http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/At ... 6010576.jp
Login
Register
FAQ
